CAP Talk

William F. Slack, 70, of Mattydale passed peacefully on Thursday. He was a graduate of St. John the Evangelist High School, a communicant of St. John the Baptist/Holy Trinity Church, where he formerly assisted as a Funeral Server. William proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force; he was a volunteer member of the NY Wing Civil Air Patrol for 50 years serving as a Unit Squadron Commander and ultimately serving on the NY Wing Inspector General Staff with the rank of Lt. Colonel; he was a life member of the Air Force Association and a lifetime member of Mattydale V.F.W Post 1832. He also served as a member of the Town of Salina Planning Board. He was employed as a Design Draftsman for Kilian Manufacturing for more than 30 years. William was predeceased by his parents, S. George and Nora Slack; his brother, Robert Slack; two sisters, Jeanne Phillips and Margaret Vogt. Survivors include his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years, the former Suzanne Humberstone; his daughters, Shawn (Guy) Babcock of Syracuse, Kathy (Kevin Fairbanks) LaBeef of North Syracuse, and Candy Hammond of Rye Brook, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Courtney, Joshua, Sarah and Caden; two great -grandchildren, Emma and Brandtly, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.Calling hours will be Monday 4p.m to 7p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home, 1604 Grant Blvd, Syracuse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 10a.m. at St. John the Baptist / Holy Trinity Church. Contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation. Onlinecondolences at CarterFuneralHome.com.http://obits.syracuse.com/obituaries/syracuse/obituary.aspx?n=william-f-slack&pid=186605948&fhid=27419https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/members/cap-national-hq/member-news/final-salute----december-2017

Yep, he was a terrific squadron commander and friend. I owe much of my success as a cadet and squadron commander to his leadership, mentorship and example. I was fortunate to see him and Sue in late 2017.